Barrier-free parks planned for disabled

Wellington, municipalities consider building play areas

Disabled children in Wellington could one day have a park where wheelchairs or crutches won't keep them off the playground or away from their friends.

The Village Council is set to discuss a proposal to build a barrier-free park Tuesday after a local family offered to donate $250,000 and raise up to an additional $200,000 to build the facility.

Barbara and Del Williamson, who lost two sons to cerebral palsy, approached Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto to build a park with ramps and other features that make it easier for disabled children to join in the fun.

Although one of their sons lived until age 6 and was not healthy enough to enjoy a park, some of his friends with disabilities could have enjoyed a barrier-free park, Barbara Williamson said.

"We thought there were people in the area who could benefit from a park like this," she said. "Children in wheelchairs pretty much have to sit on the sidelines. There's no way to get them to the [playground] equipment without a lot of help."

Palm Beach County has seen a push to build these types of barrier-free playgrounds. In 2003, the county opened the Picower Super Park in John Prince Park, 2700 Sixth Avenue South, west of Lake Worth. There, disabled children can navigate the playground's winding ramps and interact with other children at the top of the structure.